The Prince of Tennis Episode 42 (Ending) Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Lu Xia, clearly exhausted, struggles during the match against Tian Zilong. At the same time, Sea Wide High School calls for a timeout, sending their teammates to the hospital to accompany captain Bai Shiyan during his surgery, while Tian Zilong remains to continue the match. Despite Tian Zilong's relentless attacks, even knocking Lu Xia's racket away, Lu Xia recalls his father Lu Xiangqian's words: his only opponent is himself.
He realizes he needs to overcome his own limitations and begins a "crazy offense" to force Tian Zilong to use his ultimate move, "Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain." Against all odds, Lu Xia impressively returns a ball, breaking through Tian Zilong's "Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain." The Sea Wide team waits anxiously at the hospital, trusting Tian Zilong to fulfill his promise to Bai Shiyan and secure their third consecutive championship.
Simultaneously, Youth High's players erupt in support, cheering for Lu Xia to become the "pillar of Youth High," a wish long held by Mu Siyang. Just as the score is tied, Tian Zilong scores a precise lob, taking the lead. Lu Xia returns the ball with all his might, then collapses on the court, ultimately winning the match and achieving an impossible miracle. Three months later, life returns to a calmer rhythm for the team.
Zhuo Zhi celebrates his brother Zhuo Yu's birthday. Qiao Chen diligently pursues Xingzi, often thwarted by Zhang Baiyang's mischievous interference, leading to comical chases. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong, the golden duo, are engrossed in mobile games, playfully bickering about splitting up but always remaining partners. He Xinglong persistently tries to convince Ya Juxin to continue playing tennis, unaware that Ya Juxin, despite his cold facade, has never truly given up.
Yan Zhiming and Liu Lian engage in lengthy debates over minor details in their studies. Lu Xia, ever the prankster, cleverly tricks Qi Ying into leaving when another student tries to confess to her. Mu Siyang returns to China, his surgery a success, a fact his teammates learn from the Xingyao players. They excitedly plan a surprise for him. Upon his arrival at Youth High, Mu Siyang finds the tennis court empty, save for Qi Ying.
She leads him to the lounge, where a video of Youth High's matches, successes, failures, sweat, and tears, including Lu Xia's triumphant win against Tian Zilong for the provincial championship, plays on the screen. Mu Siyang is deeply moved, his eyes welling up with tears as he reflects on the team's journey and his absence from their victory.
He chastises them for the surprise but then acknowledges their efforts, prompting the entire team to emerge from hiding, shouting "Captain, welcome home!" They embrace warmly. The team now faces their biggest challenge yet: the national tournament, where they will compete against top teams from across the country.
Before the tournament, Lu Xiangqian takes Lu Xia to meet Uncle Jiang and the owner of a bookstore, where Lu Xia discovers the owner is a former national champion, sparking his desire for a match.
